If you discover a patch of dry skin on your penis, should you be worried about it? You should always pay attention when your penis is involved, but dry skin is usually not a serious concern. Dry skin is very common and can occur anywhere on the body. Many conditions can cause dry skin, and most of them are benign and easily treatable. However, in some cases, it may be a sign of a medical condition that requires treatment.
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Many benign conditions can cause dry skin on the penis.
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Eczema, allergies, friction, and infection are common causes of dry skin on the penis.
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Some chronic conditions can cause dry skin on the penis, including psoriasis, lichen planus, and lichen sclerosus.
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Infections require medical treatment, but many other causes can be treated with over-the-counter remedies or minor lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of dry skin
What do we mean when we say dry skin? Dry skin or xeroderma can describe any rash or skin lesion that appears dry, flaky, scaly, crusty, or rough. Patches of dry skin can be itchy, painful, or swollen. In some cases, rashes can appear unusually shiny or white. Furthermore, the dry skin may feel tight and be prone to cracking and bleeding. Depending on your skin tone, dry skin can appear pink, red, purple, brown, gray, or ashy.
Some conditions that cause dry skin on the penis can also have other symptoms. Discharge from the penis, foul smells, painful bumps, and ulcers can all indicate conditions that require medical treatment.
What can cause dry skin on the penis?
Dry skin occurs when skin doesn’t have enough moisture, but many different conditions can cause this. Dry skin can be caused by the following:
- Eczema. It is a condition that causes inflammation of the skin. It is a common cause of skin rashes, sometimes affecting the penis. There are many types of eczema, but the most common is atopic dermatitis. People with allergies, asthma, or a history of eczema are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis.
- Contact dermatitis. It is an allergic reaction that affects the skin. For example, allergies to latex condoms or chemicals in soaps or detergents can cause dry skin. Fragrances used in many soaps, body washes, and laundry detergents can all come into contact with your penis. Soaps and detergents can also remove natural oils and moisture from the skin. Not rinsing well enough after washing can leave soap residue on the skin, leading to dry, irritated skin. Washing or bathing too frequently can also cause dry skin, especially long, hot showers or baths.
- Psoriasis. It is an autoimmune and autoinflammatory disease that causes itchy and flaky skin rashes. People with psoriasis may develop lesions almost anywhere, including on the penis. Lichen planus and lichen sclerosus are other inflammatory skin conditions commonly affecting the genitals.
- Friction. It can irritate the skin. Sex or masturbation without sufficient lubrication can cause dry skin. Additionally, underwear that is too loose or too tight can cause chafing on the penis.
- Yeast infections. Such infections with candida can cause itching, burning, and redness, as well as white skin lesions and discharge. Yeast infections are more likely in uncircumcised men and can lead to balanitis, inflammation of the tip of the penis. Men do not usually get yeast infections from sexual activity but rather from hygiene issues.
- Fungal infections. Jock itch, or tinea cruris, causes an itchy, burning, and painful red rash with very flaky skin and can affect the entire groin, especially the skin folds. It is caused by a common fungus that also causes athlete’s foot and ringworm.
- STIs. Some sexually transmitted infections can cause skin lesions. For instance, herpes causes itching and painful blisters, bumps, and ulcers on the genitals. Furthermore, syphilis can cause red or brown sores or ulcerations on the genitals, hands, and feet, which are usually painless. However, this typically occurs only when syphilis has gone untreated.
How can I treat dry skin on my penis?
You can do several things to improve dry skin and avoid future rashes. For severe symptoms or symptoms of infection, medical treatment is necessary.
Moisturize
One of the easiest things you can do to improve or prevent dry skin is to moisturize. Be sure to use a cream or ointment product — lotions are not recommended and can dry out your skin with frequent use.
Lubricate
Be sure to use sufficient lubrication during sex or masturbation. This can help moisturize skin and prevent abrasions or irritation from friction. This includes properly lubricating the inside of condoms as well.
Wear the right underwear
Chafing can be prevented by wearing appropriate underwear. Tight-fitting briefs, loose-fitting underwear, or not wearing underwear can cause chafing. You want underwear that provides support but is loose enough to be comfortable. For example, boxer briefs are a good solution for many men who want more support than boxer shorts but more freedom than briefs.
Avoid irritants
If you have dry skin, be sure to use a mild soap. Avoid scented soaps and body washes. Also, try using an unscented or hypoallergenic laundry detergent — it gets clothes just as clean as scented detergents. You should also avoid long, hot showers and excessive bathing that can dry out the skin.
Use proper hygiene
If you are not circumcised, hygiene is very important to prevent irritation and infection of the foreskin. You don’t need to use much soap to stay clean. However, be sure that you rinse well and clean under your foreskin often.
Treat fungal infections
Yeast infections and jock itch can be treated with over-the-counter medications. Antifungal creams for yeast infections can be safely used on the penis. Powders, sprays, and creams for jock itch are readily available. If you use them as directed, you should experience fast relief for your symptoms.
When should I see a doctor?
You should see a doctor or other healthcare provider to relieve your dry skin in certain situations. If you have tried the suggestions listed above and have not seen significant improvement, you should see a doctor.
Inflammatory conditions may require a topical steroid or other treatment to control. Infections need to be treated with antibiotics or antifungals. Other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, can also contribute to dry skin on the penis and need to be treated.
You should see a doctor if you have signs of an STI, such as discharge from the penis, balanitis, ulcers, or painful bumps. Sexually transmitted infections can have serious consequences for you and your sexual partners and require proper medical treatment.
Seek immediate medical help if you have the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Severe pain
- Bleeding
These could be signs of serious, life-threatening medical conditions if left untreated.
Dry skin can occur anywhere, including the penis. Many medical conditions can cause dry skin, but so can reactions to everyday chemicals, excessive washing, and inadequate hygiene. Never ignore skin lesions on your penis as they can be a sign of a more serious condition. However, dry skin on the penis is usually mild and preventable.
5 resources
- StatPearls. Balanitis.
- StatPearls. Tinea Cruris.
- Current Opinion in Rheumatology. Psoriasis: A mixed autoimmune and autoinflammatory disease.
- National Psoriasis Foundation. Genital Psoriasis.
- Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research. A Comprehensive Review of the Treatment of Atopic Eczema.
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